SMART
Surrey Mobilization and Resiliency Table (SMART)
SMART involves professionals from various organizations meeting weekly to implement multi-agency support plans for adult residents and their families.
By connecting individuals with critical supports and interventions available in their community, SMART works to lower acutely elevated risk among vulnerable individuals and families. SMART also enhances information sharing between organizations by encouraging a collaborative approach to community safety and the well-being of individuals.
SMART is made up of professionals from a variety of disciplines, including:
- law enforcement,
- corrections,
- housing,
- health,
- social services,
- income assistance, and
- education.
How It Works
Each week, the SMART group meets to review cases where there is an acutely elevated risk of harm, victimization or criminality for an individual or family. If the group determines there is a situation of elevated risk that requires multi-agency intervention, the appropriate agencies will develop and execute a rapid response intervention plan within 24-48 hours
Why this New Response is Required
The program was launched in October 2015 after a review of police calls for service found that roughly 60% involved social challenges rather than criminal activity, including mental health crises, substance use, homelessness or housing instability, family or domestic conflicts, at-risk youth, and victims of abuse or exploitation. SMART was designed to connect individuals and families facing these challenges with coordinated support before situations escalate into emergencies.
